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Two former Long Island high school football stars are getting a shot at the NFL.
Commack’s Joey Slackman and Westhampton Beach’s Jonathan Mendoza both received rookie minicamp invitations following the 2025 NFL Draft.
Mendoza, a 6-foot-8, 325-pound offensive lineman out of the University of Louisville, will be heading to the Buffalo Bills’ rookie camp. Slackman, a defensive lineman from the University of Florida, got the call from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Unlike undrafted free agents, minicamp invitees don’t sign contracts. Instead, they get a stipend to participate in what’s essentially a multi-day tryout. If they impress, they could be signed.
The Bills’ rookie minicamp runs from May 9-10, while the Buccaneers’ camp goes from May 9-11.
Keep scrolling to read more about both players.
Joey Slackman
Slackman began his college career at the University of Pennsylvania, where he played three seasons and was named the Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year in 2023. He transferred to Florida for his senior year to compete at the SEC level.
A former All-State and All-Long Island selection in 2018, Slackman said he’s ready to play wherever he’s needed at the next level.
“I’ve been training at both DL and OL, trying to give myself the best opportunity to make it,” he told Greater Long Island. “I’m going into the whole process with an open mind — whatever position I have to play to make a team.”
Jonathan Mendoza
Mendoza, a standout at Westhampton Beach, helped his high school team win a Long Island championship in 2017. He went on to play four seasons at Yale before transferring to Louisville, where he started at right tackle.
“Jonathan is a rare blend of size, strength, and elite athleticism — a true force in the trenches,” said his agent, Dwayne Treece. “His agility and skill set make him a nightmare for defenders and a cornerstone on the offensive line.”
Long Island pipeline
Last year, three Long Islanders were selected in the NFL Draft: Matt Goncalves (Manorville/ Indianapolis Colts), Jawhar Jordan (Farmingdale/Houston Texans), and Dylan Laube (Westhampton Beach/Las Vegas Raiders).
Other local players currently in the league include Jets tight end Jeremy Ruckert (Lindenhurst), Jets safety Andre Cisco (Valley Stream), Green Bay Packers tight end Messiah Swinson (Bay Shore), Raiders running back Chris Collier (Lawrence) and veteran Giants lineman Greg Van Roten (Rockville Centre).
Top: Courtesy photo of Joey Slackman. Jonathan Mendoza photo via Instagram.
